15th United States Congress

15th United States Congress
Stilltim at en.wikipedia · Public domain · source
Congress	15th
Start	March 4, 1817
End	March 4, 1819
Senate majority	Democratic-Republican
Senate presi	Daniel D. Tompkins
Senate presi pro tempore	John Gaillard
House majority	Democratic-Republican
House speaker	Henry Clay

Contents

Major legislation
Party summary
Leadership
Members
Major events
See also

15th United States Congress met in the Old Brick Capitol in Washington, D.C. from March 4, 1817, to March 4, 1819, during the first two years of James Monroe's presidency. This Congress, operating in the post-War of 1812 "Era of Good Feelings," was dominated by the Democratic-Republican Party, which held overwhelming majorities in both chambers. Key sessions were marked by debates over internal improvements, the expansion of slavery, and the nation's financial structure following the expiration of the First Bank of the United States.

Major legislation

This Congress passed several significant acts shaping early American infrastructure and governance. The Bonus Bill of 1817, championed by John C. Calhoun, sought to use federal funds from the Second Bank of the United States for internal improvements like roads and canals, but it was vetoed by President James Monroe. It approved the Flag Act of 1818, which established the modern rule of 13 stripes and a star for each state. Other important acts included legislation enabling the State of Illinois to form a constitution and state government in preparation for admission to the Union, and the establishment of the Arkansas Territory from part of the Missouri Territory.

Party summary

The Democratic-Republican Party held a commanding supermajority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the Senate, there were 34 Democratic-Republicans and only 10 Federalists. The House composition was similarly lopsided, with 141 Democratic-Republicans facing a mere 42 Federalists. This imbalance reflected the near-collapse of the Federalist Party nationally following the Hartford Convention and the dominance of the Era of Good Feelings. The sole political tensions often arose from sectional differences between Northern and Southern members of the majority party rather than from partisan conflict.

Leadership

Henry Clay of Kentucky resumed his role as Speaker of the House, a position where he wielded significant influence over the legislative agenda. In the Senate, Vice President Daniel D. Tompkins served as the presiding officer. With Tompkins often absent, John Gaillard of South Carolina was elected President pro tempore to preside in his stead. Key committee chairmen included John W. Eppes on the House Ways and Means Committee and James Barbour in the Senate, who were instrumental in guiding financial and territorial legislation.

Members

This Congress included many notable political figures who would shape antebellum America. The Senate roster featured future presidents like John Quincy Adams of Massachusetts and Martin Van Buren of New York, alongside powerful senators such as Nathaniel Macon of North Carolina and Rufus King of New York, a leading Federalist. The House was filled with influential members, including the ardent nationalist John C. Calhoun of South Carolina, Henry St. George Tucker Sr. of Virginia, and Daniel Webster, who began his legendary congressional career representing New Hampshire. The delegation from the new State of Mississippi also joined during this term.

Major events

The Congress convened in the temporary Old Brick Capitol because the U.S. Capitol was still under reconstruction after the Burning of Washington by British forces in 1814. The period was defined by the Panic of 1819, a major financial crisis that began during the final session and sparked debates over debt relief and banking regulation. On April 4, 1818, a congressional act established the current design of the U.S. flag. Furthermore, the ongoing debate over the expansion of slavery intensified with the application of the Missouri Territory for statehood, setting the stage for the Missouri Compromise in the next Congress.